UST Performance Measures

Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks

EPA has developed resources to help UST owners and operators prepare for, prevent, or lessen catastrophic effects and environmental harm from natural disasters. Read more about the resources.

Water System for Rougemont, NC

In September 2016, the community of Rougemont, NC and others dedicated a new water supply system. Rougemont has been plagued by multiple historical petroleum releases from underground storage tanks. Read more about Rougemont’s story.

What's New

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Approximately 561,000 underground storage tanks (USTs) nationwide store petroleum or hazardous substances. The greatest potential threat from a leaking UST is contamination of ground water, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. EPA, states, and tribes work in partnership with industry to protect the environment and human health from potential releases.